Bafana star opens up on depression, ‘downward spiral’

Earlier this year, Burnley formally announced the signing of Bafana Bafana’s Lyle Foster from Belgian side K.V.C. Westerlo. The 22-year-old striker penned a four-and-a-half-year deal at Turf Moor and became the Clarets’ third signing of the January transfer window.

Burnley are well-placed as they seek Premier League promotion, and reports suggested they secured the services of Foster for €7m upfront (R131 million); a figure that was then set to increase by a further €3m if they gained promotion, which they duly did. It could ultimately all amount to a staggering figure of around R187.7 million for the South African.

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Foster is working towards leaving a legacy overseas that’s worthy of his valuation as South Africa’s most expensive player, while he has now shared an emotional story about his mental health battles and how he has struggled with depression in the past.

“Something started to creep in and I realised I was  spiralling downwards. I had severe depression and anxiety and it was very difficult to cope with where I was at with performing, with all of these things and focusing on my reality,” Foster told Marawa Sports Worldwide.

“I was in my apartment by myself. I realised I felt this huge sense of loneliness and emptiness, like I was chasing towards something that I didn’t know if it was for me. I felt I couldn’t freely express myself around my teammates. It was a lot more difficult to do things footballers are supposed to do.

“I used to try to go to training, play games, but honestly the best thing to do at that time in my life was to get back home and sleep. It was like no real excitement or looking forward to anything. That’s when I realised I’m in a bit of a pickle here, in some trouble. And of course I panicked a bit. I didn’t know what was going on and how to deal with it because it was the first time I was in a position like that.”

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The Bafana star explained how he was able to turn things around

Foster said the support of family, friends had made a massive impact, along with his faith.

“I think a turning point for me was coming home to South Africa. I sat with my parents and someone who’s mentoring me spiritually and they just guided me through it, and directed me to the Lord. That’s really what gave me a new lease on life.

“I was trying to figure it out on my own. Now I know I don’t need to — I’ve got support and friends and family who love me.

“And just the position I’m in to be a Burnley player, I don’t understand the goodness of the Lord to be preparing to go into my first season in the Premier League. It’s something I’ve dreamed of my whole life.”

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Lyle Foster pictured with Vincent Kompany above. Photo: Twitter